Connect2Direct Current Initiatives and Partners

Farm Fresh and Healthy: Local Produce on Every Table
Timeline: June 2014 – May 2017

Made possible by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and in conjunction with the Trusts’ “Healthy Places NC Initiative,” the Farm Fresh and Healthy: Local Produce on Every Table project will partner with up to 5 local fresh produce outlets in 2014 and additional 3-5 outlets in 2015. All market partners must be in NC Tier 1 counties. Outlets will include farmers markets, roadside produce stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms. Each market partner will receive technical support to increase access for low income individuals as well as funds for a consumer incentive (double bucks) program. This allows consumers to spread their limited funds further and encourages the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Annually, two workshops will be conducted for farmers market managers and farmers
on SNAP/EBT authorization, marketing and outreach to target population.

This initiative, possible through the support of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, will investigate and develop marketing plans with four North Carolina farmers markets and track the impact on farmer revenues. A farmers market and direct sales conference will be held in November 2015 to present findings and provide a statewide forum for market managers and direct sale vendors to collaborate, share best practices and receive training on innovative marketing and outreach strategies.

Wholesome Wave is a national leader in nutrition incentive development and funding, with their DVCP program now established in 21 states and at 360 markets. As a DVCP partner, C2D will receive program support funding as well as access to tools, resources and Wholesome Wave’s Data Portal for more efficiently tracking benefit and incentive transactions at each market.

Made possible by the Southern Risk Management Education Center (SRMEC), this project will train 240 farmers and farmers market managers across North Carolina through six EBT/SNAP (Electronic Benefits Transfer/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) trainings and one webinar. The trainings will address EBT/SNAP usage at farmers markets and for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Tools and best practices for minimizing marketing risk by expanding and diversifying the direct market consumer base will focus on managing EBT/SNAP programs, reducing barriers to access, creating inviting market environments, and evaluating and monitoring success. Leading edge resources will be provided.

ASAP’s Growing Minds @ Market
Growing Minds @ Market ([email protected]) is a space at a farmers market set aside for children and families so that children can engage in fun projects focused on local food and farms. In other words, it’s ASAP’s Growing Minds program at tailgates instead of schools. Activities include fresh local food tastings, local food and farm-based art crafts, and physical activities and games. Activities are offered in partnership with a variety of community organizations.

Beyond Hunger Relief, made possible with support from the Duke Endowment, is researching the barriers and opportunities for farmers selling to low income customers, providing entrepreneurial rather than philanthropic solutions to food access. Research will contribute to programming that provides farmers and resource providers – particularly churches – with training and support for developing entrepreneurial mechanisms that distribute and sell healthy local food into low-wealth communities. One of the key mechanisms emerging through the study is SNAP / EBT access at for farmers engaged in direct to consumer sales. This research is funded by The Duke Endowment, a private foundation in Charlotte established by James B Duke in 1924.

Click here for more on Connect2Direct and Connect2Direct Summit: Building Vibrant Farmers Markets. October 20, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Initiative Launched to Increase Farmers Market Sales and Local Food Access Two of North Carolina’s leading local food […]Read More ▶▶